The absence of any international cricket in Pakistan for the last three years has started to have its effect on Pakistan cricket with the biggest losers being the budding talents at the domestic circuit.

Pakistani cricketers, who will get central contracts later this month, can expect a pay hike of between 15 to 25 per cent, an official of the Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not ruled out the possibility of accepting a proposal by its Emirates counterpart to play a series of seven Twenty20 Internationals against Australia in the UAE later this year.

Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman, has hinted at asking India to host a limited-overs series between Pakistan and Australia later this year. Pakistan are seeking a venue for the series after Sri Lanka's refusal to stage it.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has shortlisted the United Arab Emirates and three other countries to host its ODI and Twenty20 series against Australia later this year.

In a friendly move, the India Cricket Board (BCCI) has invited PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf to watch the final of the ongoing Indian Premier League on May 27 in Chennai.

The success of 'Chak De India' has inspired producers in Pakistan to make a movie based on the life of flamboyant Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi.

The PCB on Saturday exuded confidence that India would soon resume bilateral cricket ties between the two nations after the BCCI allowed Pakistan to take part in the Champions League T20 competition later this year.

Pakistan are searching for alternate venues for their limited-overs series against Australia later this year after Sri Lanka backed out of hosting it. The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) is scheduled to be held in August, clashing with the dates of the proposed Pakistan-Australia series.

Snubbed Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and allrounder Abdul Razzaq on Friday expressed disappointment at being continuously left out of the national team, asking selectors for their reasons.